A former charity shop in Lancaster city centre is to be turned into a boutique hotel, under new plans.
Local company, FAT Properties, has unveiled plans for the property on New Street, which is currently empty.
HPA Chartered Architects, based in Castle Hill, will be restoring the layout of the building.
In a statement, the company said: ‘’We are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the change of use from shop to boutique aparthotel, located in Lancaster city centre.
‘’HPA will be restoring the layout of the building and aiding FAT Properties in its transformation of the luxury aparthotel. There are two storeys available for the development of seven brand new rooms, as well as the inclusion of a reception and on-site residents’ café.
‘’As this property is a grade II listed building, HPA will ensure the preservation of its structure and features, in order to contribute to the high street’s prosperity whilst also retaining the site’s historical significance, dating back to the early eighteenth century.
‘’Philippa and Tom established FAT Properties in 2013, recognising a gap in the market, and have since been involved in enhancing student accommodation and wellbeing not only in Lancaster, but regionally across a range of locations. This has since prompted a desire to extend their vision, regenerating the local tourist trade and community with easier short stay accessibility right in the heart of the city.
FAT Properties added: ‘’(We’re) absolutely delighted to bring this beauty into the our portfolio.
‘’This one is going to become a boutique apart-hotel. It’s smack bang in Lancaster’s historic city centre, 2 mins from the castle.
‘’It’s Grade 2 listed so has heaps of character.
‘’It’s been a long process. We started negotiations with the seller a year ago. Agreed an option to buy the property subject to planning. Here we are now completed with planning permission granted, and work can now start on site.
‘’These are exciting times. Assisting in the regeneration of this part of Lancaster.
The couple are also developing a property in Dalton Square, with plans for a mixed used of serviced apartments with a rented shop or business.
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